“the swallow is a bird that chooses a mate for life and returns home every year. For centuries sailors would have swallows tattooed on them to symbolize home and love. Here at swallow we want you to feel as though you are visiting with us in our home, and hope you will return just like the swallow.” – from Swallow Restaurant About Us
This Sign Can Be Found on the Wall of Swallow Restaurant
As most know, our 8th wedding anniversary was a few days ago. I had shared here how Kevin and I had been planning on going out to dinner in the evening to celebrate this special day.
We had gone to Huntington Village the year before to celebrate our 7th anniversary, because it really is known for it’s great night life attractions and ambiance. However, we really didn’t know which restaurant to pick and last minute picked one, but admit it may have been just Ok.
By the way, last year, we waited to go out until the weekend after, but this time we wanted to go out on the actual day even though it fell in the middle of the week on a Tuesday night. That morning, I saw a previous share from SITS Girls on Facebook of a graphic image saying, “Sorry…Out to Live Be Back Soon!” I absolutely loved it and said what I felt we planned on doing later on it the day by walking away from the daily grind to acknowledge it was a special day and shut out the world for even a few short hours.
Back to the event at hand though and this time out, we were looking for a bit more “special” if that makes sense to indeed life it up (as much as married with kids can do).
Kevin’s parents offered to watch the girls and puppy for us.
Earlier in the say, Kevin texted me with a few suggestions from his co-worker, who actually lives in the village of a few fun and tasty places to try.
I took to my trusty friend, Google, because when in doubt, I have learned to Google it as most I know have, too.
The one that stuck out in my mind and couldn’t resist was a place called “Swallow“.
I love going to About Us pages, being a blogger and designer alike to me this always gives me a better feel and sense for a place.
The first quote above is indeed listed on their About Us page and immediately caught my eye and sounded absolutely perfect for an anniversary dinner.
The description of the Swallow bird, how they choose their mate and then return yearly sounded quite fitting for two spouses commemorating the day they became one and said “I do”.
Let’s face it that it doesn’t get much closer to what we were indeed going out and reminiscing all about that evening.
Plus the photos in their gallery, as well as their menu, made me feel as though I needed to find more about this unique restaurant and setting for our special occasion.
Not only did it sound perfect as far as the night life features, but the menu featuring “small plates” that could be shared also was more then a bit intriguing to me.
All, I can say is that the decor and food didn’t disappoint.
These Marker Paintings Were Hanging All Over the Walls – My Favorite Was This One of John Lennon!
We each ordered one drink a piece sticking to the beer menu, because neither of us are that fancy. They had my new favorite, Angry Orchard Cider, which pretty much tastes like spiked cold apple cider – not going to lie it is as amazing as it sounds.
As for the small plates, we found something that both of us could share (I thank god that we have always had similar tastes in meals) with ordering, the following Small Plates:
- Buratta– Heirloom Tomatoes, Orange Vinaigrette
Tomato Burata
- Mac & Cheese– Orzo, Peas, Bacon, Asiago
- Meatball Parm– Crostini, Burrata, Pepperoni Tomato Sauce (Sorry, I seem to have forgotten to take a photo of this delicious parm to share before we devoured it!).
- Grilled Skirt Steak– Fresh Horseradish, Capers, Shallots, Watercress, Pinot Noir Vinaigrette
Grilled Skirt Steak
As well as two of the Swallow Snacks:
- Marinated Olives– Fresh Herbs, Citrus
Olives
- Swallow Fries
I will be honest, I think we overshot the meal quota and as scrumptious as each and every plate was, we definitely were completely full from this glutenous “small plate” meal. I think if and when we do go back, we would probably only get 2 of the small plates and possibly one of the snacks.
We actually were so full that we told our waitress to pass on dessert. But lo and behold, when I made the reservation, they asked in the comments section about if there were anything special to let them know. I might have shared there that it was indeed our 8th anniversary.
The waitress brought out clean plates and silverware instead of the check and wasn’t quite sure what was happening until a plate with a gorgeous brownie like cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries, as well as two champagne flutes filled with strawberry champagne each garnished with its own strawberry slice arrived at the table as a treat from the management on the house to cap off our Anniversary dinner just perfectly.
Brownie Dessert
Strawberry Champagne
More impressed could I not have been and admit it was the perfect end to the perfect evening. And as a side note, I ate more on our 8th anniversary then I did at our own wedding, which trust me had more then enough food to go around, especially when guests still compliment me 8 years later on our venetian hour, which included a chocolate fountain.
Cool Subway Sign Over the Area Where The Chefs Cook
You may ask why I say this then? Well, let’s just say that I spent more time being a generous and gregarious host then actually eating. Even our Maitre de had commented to my new groom, while he feasted on his dinner, “Isn’t your wife, going to eat?”
Finally 8 years later and ate, drink and actually enjoyed the meal, as well as the company at Swallow. And the subway sign below, tells me if all else fails there is a way back.
Rosey says
I love that they brought you that scrumptious looking dessert. And the history on the swallow is cool. 🙂
Jhanis says
Glad to hear you had a wonderful date! And how sweet of the restaurant to have to have taken note!
I too, did not eat during my wedding. Only did I realize that I was so hungry when was over and all the guests have gone. 🙂
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That place looks super cool! Chris and I would have loved that, too!!
Crystal says
What an awesome place! Happy Anniversary once again. 🙂
Bev says
What a perfect place to celebrate your anniversary!
Carrie Groneman says
Wonderful post my friend and LOVE the ‘Out to live’ quote. I think it should be every bloggers mantra, and I intend to actually follow it starting today! Hope to eat at Swallows one day myself, looked scrumptious. Again, congrats on your anniversary.
Seana Turner says
Everything in your photos looks divine! The cheese on the mac and cheese… oh my. I don’t live close to Swallow, but it is within the realm of possibility. Hmmmmm…..
Caroline says
I didn’t know that about swallows– so sweet! The food looks delicious… especially the mac & cheese. Oh, and that brownie looked okay, also 🙂 Happy anniversary <3
Bill says
Well Happy Anniversary my dear, and I’m glad you had a wonderful time. Many more happy years are ahead of you.
bill
Joy @ Yesterfood says
Happy Anniversary, and that food looks amazing! What a great restaurant. Thanks for sharing your wonderful date with us! 🙂
Echo says
What a fantastic date night! That food looks so fantastic and I haven’t had breakfast, yet. Not gonna lie, I almost licked the monitor….almost.
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I love that you were able to check out a new restaurant and reflect and make new memories with your husband on your special day.
I also love the sign OUT TO LIVE. As bloggers, we feel so guilty sometimes for taking the time to be with our families, but if we do not enjoy life with our families they will always remember us as their wife, mom, etc. who was always working on the computer. Our family will grow up and be gone. Sometimes, I think that is what my family thinks about me. When I am home, I am in front of the computer. Thank God for my sons baseball games, football games, all of our birthdays, and much more that keep me OUT TO LIVE.
Thanks for sharing your Anniversary with us!
Blessings,
Diane
Ginny Marie says
My husband and I love splurging on a a nice restaurant for our anniversary! Swallow sounds like a place we would really enjoy.
Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma says
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary! What a great name for a restaurant and so fitting for the place for you and Kevin to celebrate your love and commitment to each other.
Pure Grace Farms says
The food looks delicious. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I love the small plate concept, though I think I tend to eat more instead of less. There are always so many choices to choose from and their “small” right?
Blessings,
Shari
Dara says
sounds great, glad you enjoyed!
Chris Carter says
OHMYGOSH what an amazing DATE!!!! I want that place near me, so my hubs and I can soak in every bit of its delicacy and ambiance!! Oh Janine- I am so so happy you had such a luscious night with HUGE amounts of delicious food and the incredible celebratory dessert to cap it all off! This restaurant truly sounds like one in a million.
Allie says
Happy Anniversary!! My husband and I just celebrated 8 years as well…it’s a good number 🙂 That place looks so, so good. I was hungry before I started reading and now I’m starving. Although my PB&J I have to throw together before picking up the boys will pale in comparison to all of that. *sigh*
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
ok Janine, maybe I should have skipped todays post. Having skipped breakfast and lunch all this food is just making me hungry. Swallow sounds like the perfect place for your dinner and I’m happy that you went and enjoyed yourself. Maybe the next time I’m in NY I can share some of my favorites in BK with you.
Rea says
Wow!! They’re amazing for treating you with that yummy cake and champagne! That’s a great first impression and definitely a perfect end for your evening. Sounds like you did enjoy your sweet celebration. I think eating during our own hosted event would be tough. That always happens to me during birthdays. I only realize I’m hungry when there’s no more food! HAHA. Cheers to 8 years of marriage and more! 🙂
Jen@JENerallyInformed says
I didn’t eat at my wedding reception either. We were raiding the vending machine at the hotel!! So happy you had a wonderful celebration at this great restaurant!
Cynthia says
Oh man, did you tell Swallow you blogged about them? hehe.
That looks so good! I’m still full from dinner and I could STILL try to go and eat all the stuff you picture here. 😀
I hope you’ve had a great start to your week! xo
Tamara says
I actually barely at at my wedding! Like.. at all. It hurt! And we had a mashtini bar late night! Martini glasses filled with mashed potatoes and a toppings bar. Yum.
I love this story, though. In fact, I went ahead to the menu and I’m placing my order:
Butternut Squash Cappuccino – Truffle Froth
Roasted Baby Carrots- Cumin, Honey
Mac & Cheese- Orzo, Peas, Bacon, Asiago
Meatball Parm- Crostini, Burrata, Pepperoni Tomato Sauce
Sliders- Creamy Brie, Tomato Jam, hold the Brie
Swallow Fries
Deviled Eggs
Cheese Plate – Assorted Cheese
Alison says
Oh my gosh, pregnant women should absolutely not read posts about food, because you’ve made me so hungry 🙂
And how nice of the restaurant to give you guys a sweet dessert and champagne!
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) says
Quirky interior and those food looks luscious! #WW
Tricia says
That place looks like so much fun!
lisacng @ expandng.com says
What a cool fact about the swallow. And great restaurant choice! Happy 8th anniversary and how nice of them to bring you dessert. I love “small plate” restaurants. I also eat too much but that’s the fun in it all!
Rabia @TheLiebers says
What an awesome place! And the dessert just tops it off!! Happy anniversary you guys!
Allison says
Gorgeous place and what a jest at the end. I am glad you were not disappointed after all the efforts to go out and on your special day. When you find great food you will need to staff yourself and don’t eat next two days. How can you pass on that brownie! And it would have been rude not to finish it all up.
Dana says
This was perfect timing – reading this right before I cook dinner. Although I’m bound to be disappointed by my own sad meal compared to the one you had – yum! Happy Anniversary to you and Kevin!
Kenya G. Johnson says
Happy belated anniversary! I am glad you had a better experience this year. I did say WOW – Janine ate all of that? Even with sharing that is a LOT of food. Everything looks soooo good too.
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
I love all the food pictures! This place looks sooo good, especially the french fries–yum!! Glad you guys took some time away from the crazy to enjoy yourselves, you deserve it for sure!
another jennifer says
I really shouldn’t be reading this before I go to bed. Now I’m hungry! Looks so yummy. You made a great choice for a night out.
jay @CratySpices.com says
It sure looks like a great place to visit, and the food OMG I should not have seen these pictures at this time of the night, you just opened my appetite.
Have a fabulous rest of the week!!
Pam@over50feeling40 says
Thanks for taking the Thursday Blog Hop on your date…the food looked so good!
Brittnei says
Ok now the prego lady wants french fries. LOL. I love that dessert too! Wow. That looks like fine dining! This looks like a great place to try. I love hearing about some great east coast spots from my east coast buddies. 🙂
Molly says
Happy Anniversary and mmmmmmmmmmm olives!
Mollyxxx
Kim says
That place sounds awesome!! Isn’t it funny how those little plates can add up and have us feeling stuffed?! Sweet that they brought y’all dessert!!
Melissa @ Home on Deranged says
Jealous of this gorgeous meal! That would be my absolute favorite mac ‘n cheese, I can totally tell. You guys are so adorable, and I’m glad that you were spoiled rotten on your anniversary. Here’s to many more!
the pinterested parent says
Oh yum! Happy belated anniversary. It looks like you have a wonderful night. I am glad you got out to live a little. That is a great sign!